Author Topic: Summer Vacation: Destination - Washington D.C. (Read 11573 times)

Noe · « **on:** April 23, 2010, 01:59:22 pm »

So my wife and I, with the consent of our two sons, have decided that this year's family vacation will be Washington D.C. No real need for waterparks or roller-coaster, we have plenty around us for a staycation or weekend trip whenever we choose. This year, we want to go to the Smithsonian Museums and tourist attractions such as the Monuments. I'd like to take a trek down to Gettysburg, being the Civil War buff as I am, but that may not fit our plans. So here is what I need from all my SnS friends in tbe general area or those of you who have done this before (we've never been to Washington as a family, I was the only one who had to attend a conference two years ago in the fall):

1. We don't want to overspend our budget, but we have set aside a good portion of cayshe to do this. We don't use credit cards for vacations, so we try to economize more than not.
2. We have not decided whether to drive or fly yet, but if we drive, what would be a good place to stop half-way to Washington from Austin so we can stay a day and look around and then get a good nights rest before we head out again. All suggestions will help us if we do take this as a road trip.
3. We don't have any great urge to stay in downtown Washington D.C. at an expensive Hotel. I've looked at several places in the Downtown area and although some look really good, they will hit our budget and we'd rather not spend that much on just a place to sleep (basically). Suggestions of places to stay probably near the Metro rail so we can ride in and out of Washington when necessary. Nice Hotels in the suburban areas would be nice. (Houston? das?)
4. We're thinking Spy Museum, the Smithsonian Museums, Monuments, but if you have other suggestions that will be of interest for a family like ours (two sons, 12 and 16) would be welcome.
5. Eating places. I'm not sure we're all that thrilled with the idea of taking the Metro back to our Hotel and then finding a place to eat in and around that area. I'd rather invest the money saved from not staying downtown and using it for good places to eat downtown before we head back to suburbia. So your suggestions are very welcome. The other night, I saw a Food Wars segment that featured two brothers in Washington who sell pizza by the slice. Looked very interesting to try, so stuff like that is very welcome.

So thanks for helping this neophyte when it comes to planning a Washington D. C. trip for his family. Right now, looks like we'll be there the first week of August.

Trey · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:17:20 pm »

I haven't been to DC in several years, but the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum is pretty much the mostest awesome museum, ever. Especially for boys your sons' ages.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:23:40 pm »

The National Museum of Health and Medicine is creepy weird but it can be fun if you're up for it. I saw a pretty spectacular exhibit on the beginnings of plastic surgery (from the Civil War) and they've got stuff like the bullet that killed Lincoln, etc. Not for everybody, but something you won't find in most cities.

The Holocaust Museum is very, very well done but it will fuck you up for years. Don't wander in on a whim. Be real sure that's where you want to go and you will need to talk about it before and after.

Don't miss the Declaration of Independence. It pops up on a schedule, I think, so you might check into coordinating that. It's behind about jillion feet of dark glass so it's like you're viewing it through a camera, but it's still cool.

The Metro is great. Clean and will get you wherever you want to go.

Be real damn careful of the rough spots. It can go from nice to damn scary in a block.

MusicMan · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:25:15 pm »

Boys 12 and 16? Mix in a trip to the Pentagon.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:29:34 pm »

Bureau of Engraving and Printing is geeky cool.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:29:47 pm »

You can also call your congressman or senator and get tickets for a White House tour. They love doing that stuff. Don't miss the Capitol and the reflecting pool too, on your way to the monuments.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:30:06 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on April 23, 2010, 03:29:34 pm

Bureau of Engraving and Printing is geeky cool.

It IS! And you can get sheets of $2 bills!

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:33:29 pm »

As far as Gettysburg goes, the battlefield monuments are decent but the town and area are tacky. If you wanna to a quick drive thru tour on the way ok, but I personally wouldn't lose a day in DC for one in Gettysburg. Of course if you are a real big time CW buff then you probably cant miss it. The drive through the Shenandoah Valley on 81 is nice...

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:34:32 pm »

Quote from: Ron Brand on April 23, 2010, 03:30:06 pm

It IS! And you can get sheets of $2 bills!

A friend of mine just took his kids there. They said the line queues up at least an hour and a half before it opens so plan to get there early if you want in.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2010, 03:51:21 pm »

Quote from: Ron Brand on April 23, 2010, 03:29:47 pm

You can also call your congressman or senator and get tickets for a White House tour. They love doing that stuff. Don't miss the Capitol and the reflecting pool too, on your way to the monuments.

The Capitol Dome tour is very cool as well. They require a special invite though, and I believe are conducted by a member. I'd definitely recommend calling your Congressman and seeing if they still do these and if you could get an invite.

Additionally, I walking around the Capitol mall at night, it's beautiful (and safe, at least it was when I was there). The Vietnam and Korean war memorials are also can't misses in any tour of the mall.

Going up to the top of the Washington monument is also pretty cool. The National Cathedral (though a bit out of the way IIRC) is an amazing building as well. There are 7 (I think) Smithsonian museums. You could easily spend a day in each. I'd pick one or two that you'd like to see and go for it.

I second the Bureau of Engraving and printing and Declaration of Independence recommendations also.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2010, 04:10:34 pm »

Arlington. Tomb of the Unknown. The Wall.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2010, 04:12:27 pm »

I know someone will pipe up and tell you how horrible it is, but I really enjoyed the Spy Museum. It's pricey, but I liked it a lot.

I could also easily spend a week at the various Smithstonian museums. Air & Space, Medical and Natural History are my favorites.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #12 on:** April 23, 2010, 04:51:02 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on April 23, 2010, 04:12:27 pm

I could also easily spend a week at the various Smithstonian museums. Air & Space, Medical and Natural History are my favorites.

I could spend a week just at the Natural History museum.

JimR · « **Reply #13 on:** April 23, 2010, 04:58:37 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on April 23, 2010, 04:51:02 pm

I could spend a week just at the Natural History museum.

ditto Air&Space

subnuclear · « **Reply #14 on:** April 23, 2010, 05:53:28 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on April 23, 2010, 04:12:27 pm

I know someone will pipe up and tell you how horrible it is, but I really enjoyed the Spy Museum. It's pricey, but I liked it a lot.

I have never heard of anyone who didn't like it. (I haven't been there though).

Quote

ditto Air&Space

The one near Dulles is also great if you are into aerospace, but its more a hangar full of ridiculously cool planes and missiles and spacecraft than a museum.

I agree with all the suggestions here pretty much. With DC, you can't go wrong with the obvious.

As per your more practical questions, my family has found "good deals" near the Friendship Heights Metro. The hotels have been fairly generic, but the location is convenient to everything, there are lots of places to eat and you don't have to worry about crime much. In general, I would look for places along that side of the Red Line Metro. Anything in Northern Virginia near a Metro would be good, too, but I don't have any experience with finding a place there.

I've never found good places near the Mall to eat in terms of being places after walking around all day you can sit down and eat with kids and so forth. Maybe other WashingtonianMetroites can correct, but its probably better to get on the Metro and go to Bethesda or Silver Spring or Arlington and find a place there. Old Town Alexandria is a bit of a distance but its a pretty great place to walk around and has some nice restaurants.

If your family likes exploring ethnic food, Tyler Cowen's guide is pretty awesome. And I guess there's always Five Guys. I'll try and figure out what those pizza places were.

hostros7 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 23, 2010, 10:40:19 pm »

I don't have much to offer in terms of good, economical food in DC or places to visit that haven't been mentioned, but, if you're going to drive, I think Birmingham works. It's a long drive both days though (10-12 hrs). Actually, don't see these mentioned...I think the FBI and Ford's Theatre are both badass and just an interesting experience.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #16 on:** April 24, 2010, 08:00:42 am »

I think the National Gallery of Art is a can't miss. Unless, you just hate art. It's right on the Mall with the other museums.

rifraft · « **Reply #17 on:** April 24, 2010, 08:10:57 am »

The Portrait Gallery, hall of presidents is very cool.

Noe · « **Reply #18 on:** April 24, 2010, 09:43:21 am »

Thanks all, keep them coming. I especially appreciate the advise on near-Metro Hotels, that is mucho appreciated. FWIW, here is some of what we're starting to focus in on:

1. Family wants to go to the Spy Musuem and Air and Space Museum (these are two locks right now). My friend just sent me a gallery of photos from the Smithsonian Hangar that is at Dulles Airport that is a wing of the Air and Space Museum (and whoever said it was a bunch of really sweet airplanes and flying machines wasn't kidding). Looks like we'll try to go there as well.

2. I want to take my boys to all the monuments and memorials. I want them to appreciate the people who gave their lives for our freedom. That is really big on my personal list. The suggestion to go to Arlington was a great idea as far as I'm concerned, so we'll plan a day for all Memorials.

3. I love the idea of hoping on the Metro and going to a place like old town Arlington and such to eat, awesome idea.

4. Trip to Gettysburg is entirely my own desire and my family does not really want to go (nor to Bull Run or any other place like that). If I could steal one day for myself, I would but I am not going to press it.

5. Looking more and more that the family wants to road trip it (we're all into that to be sure). I'm thinking of going through Memphis and then Nashville, so I don't know which one would be the best place to stop for a day of touristy stuff. My guess is Nashville.

Keep the suggestions coming, this is great!

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #19 on:** April 24, 2010, 09:48:00 am »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on April 24, 2010, 09:43:21 am

4. Trip to Gettysburg is entirely my own desire and my family does not really want to go (nor to Bull Run or any other place like that). If I could steal one day for myself, I would but I am not going to press it.

If you're looking for a day trip somewhere, just to get out of the city, I liked colonial Williamsburg, and Annapolis is a really cool town.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #20 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:00:00 am »

There's a lot of great history in Memphis and some fine barbecue as well, but that city is more and more run down each day. If you haven't been to Graceland it could be worth a stop for you but Nashville is a much nicer city these days.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #21 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:36:38 am »

If you are driving, not in a big rush, and like a beautiful scenic drive, I suggest veering over to Skyline Dr through the Shenandoah National Park. The road takes a winding path along the mountaintops of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east side of the Shenandoah River. It's beautiful, one of the best drives in the whole country, but it'll add a few hours time to reaching your destination.

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #22 on:** April 24, 2010, 11:47:49 am »

Gettysburg: looking up from the base of Little Round Top and peering across the expanse of Cemetary Ridge gave new meaning to me of the challenges faced in those attacks and the outright courage of Confederate (and Federal) infantrymen.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #23 on:** April 24, 2010, 01:40:24 pm »

Must hit the National Archives and see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. There's so much free entertainment there. I absolutely loved living there. If baseball is on the agenda, even though both local teams are, well, not good, both ballparks are good. The Harbor in Baltimore is neat. Everyone else has made fantastic suggestions!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #24 on:** April 24, 2010, 01:43:00 pm »

Quote from: geezerdonk on April 23, 2010, 04:10:34 pm

Arlington. Tomb of the Unknown. The Wall.

Seconded. Amazing experience.

AstroFrog · « **Reply #25 on:** April 24, 2010, 08:56:16 pm »

Nashville would be a cool stop, though you may not find it to be all that different from Austin. I don't think you could count on Nashville being your first stop when heading out - it is more than a day's drive from Houston, and therefore definitely so from Austin. There are definitely a lot of ways to spend a day there. Seeing the Opry is an interesting slice of music history and Americana, even if country music is not your thing. For a more off-beat experience, try the Station Inn for Bluegrass. The kids can get in there (unlike some the Broadway honky-tonks), and it's one of the best listening rooms for acoustic and bluegrass music in the country.

I don't have tons of contemporary experience with D.C., but one of my favorite restaurants there is actually a Mexican place called Lauriol Plaza. http://www.lauriolplaza.com/

I'd imagine that your 12 year old will think the Metro is cool as hell. During my first trip to D.C. (about that age), that really did overshadow most of the museums and memorials.

Savage · « **Reply #26 on:** April 24, 2010, 09:52:34 pm »

Quote from: Taras Bulba on April 24, 2010, 11:47:49 am

Gettysburg: looking up from the base of Little Round Top and peering across the expanse of Cemetary Ridge gave new meaning to me of the challenges faced in those attacks and the outright courage of Confederate (and Federal) infantrymen.

Could not agree more. I'm not much of a civil war buff but my father and uncles are big into Gettysburg and even founded a Gettysburg group that funds a historical research intern. Long shot of it is that in the 10 years I spent in DC I made a lot of trips up there and I do think it's a pretty incredible place and worth a side trip. Even the history of the various monuments is fascinating and seeing the landscape, particularly little round top at dawn, really helped me as a pretentious young adult "see" an aspect of the courage and the horror of war in a way I never appreciated from a history class. There are few real opportunities to see momentousness battle sites in US history on our own soil and I really think it's worth a day to see Gettysburg. Just stay away from the tacky kitsch.

As far as DC goes, I spent 10 years living in the city there and my husband is a native so we get back there frequently and it's really a great place to visit with a ton to see. When we go now I prefer to stay in town and have had quite a bit of luck with the kimpton hotels in the Dupont circle area. It's just nice to ditch the car and cab / metro everywhere and it's a super convenient locale. Arlington is also an easy place to stay outside the city and I think anything along the blue or orange line is convenient to get around from. Just stay away from the green line.

I echo all the advice on the museums - I personally like natural history and american history best but it's all personal. When you visit the monuments try and get to the statue of Einstein - it's near lincoln and vietnam. I also really like the nurses and the korean memorials (especially at night) - very powerful though not "biggies". If you can talk the family into it, try and do lincoln and vietnam at sunrise - it's a great sight and I appreciate vietnam best when it's still quiet and the volunteers are laying out the flags to prepare it for the day. Not a lot of great food right near the mall, unfortunately, but if you wander into foggy bottom lindy's red lion makes a pretty decent burger. My alma mater would be disappointed but I think Georgetown is to be avoided - just a bunch of soulless restaurants and shops.

As far as other eats, I could go on for pages but DC has some really great food. In all due respect to AstroFrog, stay the hell away from Lauriol Plaza; it was once a great little restaurant and then moved to a bigger locale and is now just one of those see and be seen while drinking over priced margaritas spots. If you have a hankering for Mexican while there I have a soft spot for La Loma near union station (they marinate their beef fajitas for 48 hours and then smoke the meat); we held our rehearsal dinner there and it passed muster with my family visiting from Houston, though it's been a few years since I've been. I would also recommend any of Jose Andres' restaurants - Jaleo is actually a good bet after a visit to one of the museums near the mall. I have to give a shout out to Againn (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/09/AR2010040903666.html) despite not having ever eaten there as my little brother is the sous chef and I did enjoy Wes Morton's food when he was in Houston. Despite Obama having made it a bit too trendy I would still recommend Ben's Chili Bowl for a bit of food and history mixed together, though it's really at its best at 2am with some alcohol in the system and I wouldn't make a trip to that neighborhood just to eat there. If you do go to the spy museum, Zaytinya is nearby for something a bit different. Once you've figured your agenda and you need recommendations for a specific neighborhood let me know and I'm sure I can come up with more. I have a lot of respect for the Washington Post food critic, Tom Sietsema, and you might want to reference his dining guide or online chats as well.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #27 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:13:46 pm »

Might be a little pricey, but I enjoyed Georgia Brown's the last time I was there.

rifraft · « **Reply #28 on:** April 24, 2010, 11:51:27 pm »

As for restaurants: Oyamel, mexican tapas place near Chinatown. I'll second Zaytinya, very good Greek tapas. Racika is the best Indian fusion place I've ever been to, but pricey. Make sure you eat the chili cheese fries at Ben's Chili Bowl. For Peruvian, try El Chalan on I street.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #29 on:** April 25, 2010, 10:10:43 am »

If hitting the museums on the mall, plan for lunch at the American Indian museum, the food is spectacular. They have stations representing the different regions of the country and try to tie it back to foods the Native Americans would eat. It is all very well done and feels a bit like a Central Market / Whole foods prepared food counter.

Also, I've always recommended taking the cheesy bus / trolley tour on the first day. It gives you a good idea about where things are and the drivers usually give lots of useful tips.

matadorph · « **Reply #30 on:** April 25, 2010, 10:20:47 am »

If the family is up for doing some outdoorsy sight-seeing, I highly recommend a visit to Great Falls Park. Beautiful place.

Savage · « **Reply #31 on:** April 25, 2010, 10:32:33 am »

Quote from: Andyzipp on April 24, 2010, 10:13:46 pm

Might be a little pricey, but I enjoyed Georgia Brown's the last time I was there.

The Sunday brunch scene there is spectacular.

Bench · « **Reply #32 on:** April 25, 2010, 01:37:19 pm »

Eat at the native American museum, be sure to check out Ford Theatre.
I haven't seen the holocaust museum mentioned. It's not the most cheerful trip available but very worthwhile.

AstroFrog · « **Reply #33 on:** April 25, 2010, 04:48:02 pm »

Quote from: Savage on April 24, 2010, 09:52:34 pm

As far as other eats, I could go on for pages but DC has some really great food. In all due respect to AstroFrog, stay the hell away from Lauriol Plaza; it was once a great little restaurant and then moved to a bigger locale and is now just one of those see and be seen while drinking over priced margaritas spots.

I don't dispute your description of the "scene" at LP, but your complaint doesn't seem to concern the food, which I think is quite good.

juliogotay · « **Reply #34 on:** April 26, 2010, 10:23:41 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on April 24, 2010, 09:48:00 am

If you're looking for a day trip somewhere, just to get out of the city, I liked colonial Williamsburg, and Annapolis is a really cool town.

Me, too. Annapolis is a great little town and I enjoyed walking around the Naval Academy campus. Williamsburg is also great.

All Americans should see Arlington at least once.

juliogotay · « **Reply #35 on:** April 26, 2010, 10:27:07 am »

Quote from: Ron Brand on April 23, 2010, 03:29:47 pm

You can also call your congressman or senator and get tickets for a White House tour. They love doing that stuff. Don't miss the Capitol and the reflecting pool too, on your way to the monuments.

I've done a White House tour three times and they don't show you as much of the place as they did prior to 9/11. It is still worth it, however. The Capitol tour is good. I also enjoyed the Library of Congress. Don't need to spend much time there, just stick your head in and see the building. It is surprisingly beautiful.

LonghornCDR · « **Reply #36 on:** April 26, 2010, 12:43:09 pm »

If you are interested in touring the Pentagon, pm me. They don't have public tours, so unless you are travelling with a group and schedule a group tour (minimum size is six) you need to know someone who works in the building to get you inside and escort you around. There are some interesting exhibits in the corridors and I can take you to the interior 9/11 memorial. Just did this with my folks and in-laws and they enjoyed it.

Arlington National Cemetery - see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns (and hopefully a wreath laying). The Kennedy gravesite is interesting as well.

Ford's Theater - Saw Little Shop of Horrors there last weekend. Good production and the theater is amazing. Unfortunately, there is no summer production season, but you can visit the theater for free. You do need to reserve tickets for the tour, though.

Mt Vernon makes for a nice relaxed 1/2 day.

Ray' Hellburger for lunch in Rosslyn. 1/2 mile walk from the Metro station, but worth it! You'll need to burn the calories anyway.

Don't forget Baltimore - Camden Yard, Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, National Aquarium, all just an hour away.

If you drive, that opens your options for cheaper lodging. You can stay near the end of one of the metro lines and drive from the hotel and park at the metro station for $4.50 a day during the week and free on weekends and holidays. I live about 10-15 minutes from the end of the yellow line and do this every day. Very easy.

Alkie · « **Reply #37 on:** April 26, 2010, 12:43:14 pm »

Quote from: rifraft on April 24, 2010, 11:51:27 pm

Oyamel, mexican tapas place near Chinatown.

European food, done North American style, in the Asian part of town by Mayans?

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #38 on:** April 26, 2010, 12:54:27 pm »

Quote from: Alkie on April 26, 2010, 12:43:14 pm

European food, done North American style, in the Asian part of town by Mayans?

Did ancient astronauts leave these recipes?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #39 on:** April 26, 2010, 12:59:38 pm »

My favorite dive in D.C. years ago was the Tune Inn, 331 1/2 Pennsylvania Ave SE.

juliogotay · « **Reply #40 on:** April 26, 2010, 01:00:33 pm »

Quote from: LonghornCDR on April 26, 2010, 12:43:09 pm

If you are interested in touring the Pentagon, pm me. They don't have public tours, so unless you are travelling with a group and schedule a group tour (minimum size is six) you need to know someone who works in the building to get you inside and escort you around. There are some interesting exhibits in the corridors and I can take you to the interior 9/11 memorial. Just did this with my folks and in-laws and they enjoyed it.

Arlington National Cemetery - see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns (and hopefully a wreath laying). The Kennedy gravesite is interesting as well.

Ford's Theater - Saw Little Shop of Horrors there last weekend. Good production and the theater is amazing. Unfortunately, there is no summer production season, but you can visit the theater for free. You do need to reserve tickets for the tour, though.

Mt Vernon makes for a nice relaxed 1/2 day.

Ray' Hellburger for lunch in Rosslyn. 1/2 mile walk from the Metro station, but worth it! You'll need to burn the calories anyway.

Don't forget Baltimore - Camden Yard, Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, National Aquarium, all just an hour away.

If you drive, that opens your options for cheaper lodging. You can stay near the end of one of the metro lines and drive from the hotel and park at the metro station for $4.50 a day during the week and free on weekends and holidays. I live about 10-15 minutes from the end of the yellow line and do this every day. Very easy.

Mt Vernon has added some educational areas in the past couple of years that are very educational.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #41 on:** April 26, 2010, 01:01:25 pm »

Used to be a great place on Connecticut called the "Khyber Pass" ... not sure I'd want to eat Afghan food in DC now, though.

Bench · « **Reply #42 on:** April 26, 2010, 01:07:21 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 26, 2010, 01:01:25 pm

Used to be a great place on Connecticut called the "Khyber Pass" ... not sure I'd want to eat Afghan food in DC now, though.

I went to a great Afghan place in D.C. in December 2001. Didn't need reservations, but man the food kicked ass.

Is Monticello a long drive from D.C.? I remember enjoying visiting there when I was a kid.

subnuclear · « **Reply #43 on:** April 26, 2010, 01:23:26 pm »

Quote from: Bench on April 26, 2010, 01:07:21 pm

Is Monticello a long drive from D.C.? I remember enjoying visiting there when I was a kid.

Its about an hour and half - two hours from Northern VA. Its pretty cool, but eats up most of a day.

I'll second Ray's Hell Burgers as good eatin', but in case you go there they only take cash there for some reason, so be prepared.

Bench · « **Reply #44 on:** April 26, 2010, 02:36:55 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on April 26, 2010, 01:23:26 pm

I'll second Ray's Hell Burgers as good eatin', but in case you go there they only take cash there for some reason, so be prepared.

See introductory post, item #1.

subnuclear · « **Reply #45 on:** April 26, 2010, 03:14:07 pm »

Quote from: Bench on April 26, 2010, 02:36:55 pm

See introductory post, item #1.

In that context, I'm not sure he is excluding using a debit card. In any case, I always have to walk a couple of blocks to an ATM every time I go there because I always forget and their ATM is out-of-order.

LonghornCDR · « **Reply #46 on:** April 26, 2010, 03:14:17 pm »

One other thing... if you want to go to the top of the Washington Monument, BOOK NOW! It's already booked up through June 17th right now. There are no same day tickets, even if people that have reservations don't show up.

LonghornCDR · « **Reply #47 on:** April 26, 2010, 03:16:47 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on April 26, 2010, 12:59:38 pm

My favorite dive in D.C. years ago was the Tune Inn, 331 1/2 Pennsylvania Ave SE.

GREAT breakfast menu.

AstroFrog · « **Reply #48 on:** April 26, 2010, 07:13:22 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on April 26, 2010, 03:14:07 pm

In that context, I'm not sure he is excluding using a debit card. In any case, I always have to walk a couple of blocks to an ATM every time I go there because I always forget and their ATM is out-of-order.

Right. I don't know how Noe rolls, but using a credit card to facilitate the transaction at the P.O.S. (point of sale) and then paying it off right away is also quite different than "putting the vacation on the credit card."

In our house we make as many purchases as possible on the Southwest credit card so we can earn free flights. Pay it all off each month though.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #49 on:** April 26, 2010, 08:40:21 pm »

I get 2 percent cash back - would be giving up significant money to stop using a card.

Duman · « **Reply #50 on:** April 27, 2010, 08:58:47 am »

One of my favorite free places is the Old Postoffice. It is a couple of blocks off the mall. It has a lookout that is second highest to the Wash. Monument. There is a food court on the main floor so it might be a place to grab lunch one day.

My kids love the American History and Natural History museums. They also enjoyed Mount Vernon.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #51 on:** April 27, 2010, 09:25:43 am »

Just as an aside, since we've been talking about the great museums and such in D.C, here's a shameless plug for one of the local ones. If you've never been to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, shame on you. The gem and mineral collection at the HMNS is one of the finest in the world, rivaling (better than, IMO) the Smithsonian in terms of quality, even if not in size. So even if you can't get to the Smithsonian this summer, you can still oooh and aaah at some of nature's finest treasures. End of shameless plug.

Noe · « **Reply #52 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:20:20 am »

FWIW = we consider cash and debit card to be the same. Chase offered us a deal to make our debit card similar to the credit card, with cash back and points earned. We also have another debit/credit card with Austin Teleco. If we use it as a debit card, we actually lose money (they charge us). If we use the same card as a credit card, we're not charged however the money is taken from our checking account directly so we just keep up with expenditures.

Bottomline, we don't spend on credit for vacations.

Noe · « **Reply #53 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:24:29 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on April 27, 2010, 09:25:43 am

Just as an aside, since we've been talking about the great museums and such in D.C, here's a shameless plug for one of the local ones. If you've never been to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, shame on you. The gem and mineral collection at the HMNS is one of the finest in the world, rivaling (better than, IMO) the Smithsonian in terms of quality, even if not in size. So even if you can't get to the Smithsonian this summer, you can still oooh and aaah at some of nature's finest treasures. End of shameless plug.

My oldest son and I planned a trip to Houston several years ago to go specifically to the Natural Museum (my favorite school trip when I was a kid). We enjoyed a full weekend of touring the place (to me, it was about getting reacquainted with the place). I'll be planning a weekend baseball/museum trip for my youngest son next month as well.

Noe · « **Reply #54 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:32:14 am »

Quote from: LonghornCDR on April 26, 2010, 12:43:09 pm

If you are interested in touring the Pentagon, pm me. They don't have public tours, so unless you are travelling with a group and schedule a group tour (minimum size is six) you need to know someone who works in the building to get you inside and escort you around. There are some interesting exhibits in the corridors and I can take you to the interior 9/11 memorial. Just did this with my folks and in-laws and they enjoyed it.

Arlington National Cemetery - see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns (and hopefully a wreath laying). The Kennedy gravesite is interesting as well.

Ford's Theater - Saw Little Shop of Horrors there last weekend. Good production and the theater is amazing. Unfortunately, there is no summer production season, but you can visit the theater for free. You do need to reserve tickets for the tour, though.

Mt Vernon makes for a nice relaxed 1/2 day.

Ray' Hellburger for lunch in Rosslyn. 1/2 mile walk from the Metro station, but worth it! You'll need to burn the calories anyway.

Don't forget Baltimore - Camden Yard, Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, National Aquarium, all just an hour away.

If you drive, that opens your options for cheaper lodging. You can stay near the end of one of the metro lines and drive from the hotel and park at the metro station for $4.50 a day during the week and free on weekends and holidays. I live about 10-15 minutes from the end of the yellow line and do this every day. Very easy.

WOW! PM sent.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #55 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:46:25 am »

Besides the stuff that's been mentioned multiple times, I offer a strong second for Arlington Cemetery and especially the National Archives. Since a renovation/expansion several years ago, the Archives has a whole lot more than just the Const/Dec of Ind. They have some cool exhibits; it might have been my favorite thing in D.C. when we went three or four years ago.

Limey · « **Reply #56 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:50:08 am »

Quote from: BUWebguy on April 27, 2010, 10:46:25 am

Besides the stuff that's been mentioned multiple times, I offer a strong second for Arlington Cemetery and especially the National Archives. Since a renovation/expansion several years ago, the Archives has a whole lot more than just the Const/Dec of Ind. They have some cool exhibits; it might have been my favorite thing in D.C. when we went three or four years ago.

Just as long as Nick Cage hasn't got there first.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #57 on:** April 27, 2010, 02:49:56 pm »

Quote from: Limey on April 27, 2010, 10:50:08 am

Just as long as Nick Cage hasn't got there first.

Remember that thread about bad movies we love? National Treasure is one of those for me and my wife (a museum studies major in college).

das · « **Reply #58 on:** April 28, 2010, 07:54:57 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on April 26, 2010, 10:27:07 am

I've done a White House tour three times and they don't show you as much of the place as they did prior to 9/11. It is still worth it, however. The Capitol tour is good. I also enjoyed the Library of Congress. Don't need to spend much time there, just stick your head in and see the building. It is surprisingly beautiful.

Noe,
Let me know if you and the family are interested in the internal White House or Capitol tours.
DAS

Noe · « **Reply #59 on:** April 28, 2010, 10:31:39 am »

Quote from: das on April 28, 2010, 07:54:57 am

Noe,
Let me know if you and the family are interested in the internal White House or Capitol tours.
DAS

We are. I was going to contact John Croynn's (sp?) office to see if I could secure one (of either). I'm glad you might be able to help us with that as well. This might be the best family vacation we've taken in a good long while! woo-hoo!

BudGirl · « **Reply #60 on:** April 28, 2010, 10:33:35 am »

John Cornyn

He used to be my boss, so I remember his name.

Noe · « **Reply #61 on:** April 28, 2010, 10:35:05 am »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 28, 2010, 10:33:35 am

John Cornyn

He used to be my boss, so I remember his name.

Thanks, me no good with spelling names, just saying them... sorta.

pots · « **Reply #62 on:** April 28, 2010, 11:16:27 am »

When I was about 10 in the early 80s, we did a family trip around the Eastern US. FWIW, I remember Graceland(Memphis) and the Jack Daniel's Distillery(somewhere in Tennessee) the best.

pots · « **Reply #63 on:** April 28, 2010, 11:23:27 am »

I also learned during those 2-3 weeks, that when given the option, flying is the better way to go.

BudGirl · « **Reply #64 on:** April 28, 2010, 11:35:14 am »

Quote from: pots on April 28, 2010, 11:16:27 am

When I was about 10 in the early 80s, we did a family trip around the Eastern US. FWIW, I remember Graceland(Memphis) and the Jack Daniel's brewery(somewhere in Tennessee) the best.

The Jack Daniel's Distillery tour is pretty cool, and you can get lemonade at the end of it. I always am amazed that Lynchburg is a dry county.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #65 on:** April 28, 2010, 11:38:14 am »

Quote from: pots on April 28, 2010, 11:16:27 am

When I was about 10 in the early 80s, we did a family trip around the Eastern US. FWIW, I remember Graceland(Memphis) and the Jack Daniel's brewery(somewhere in Tennessee) the best.

As you're determining where to stop, I'll also give a strong second for Graceland, if anyone in the family was even moderately interested in Elvis. Ybbo could probably give a lot more Memphis tips.

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #66 on:** April 28, 2010, 12:09:26 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on April 28, 2010, 10:31:39 am

We are. I was going to contact John Croynn's (sp?) office to see if I could secure one (of either). I'm glad you might be able to help us with that as well. This might be the best family vacation we've taken in a good long while! woo-hoo!

Seriously, Noe, "Croynn?"

pots · « **Reply #67 on:** April 28, 2010, 12:17:54 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 28, 2010, 11:35:14 am

The Jack Daniel's Distillery tour is pretty cool, and you can get lemonade at the end of it. I always am amazed that Lynchburg is a dry county.

Yes, but they allow their workers 1 bottle a week. We happpened to be on the tour when they were passing around the bottle.

BudGirl · « **Reply #68 on:** April 28, 2010, 12:21:27 pm »

Quote from: pots on April 28, 2010, 12:17:54 pm

Yes, but they allow their workers 1 bottle a week. We happpened to be on the tour when they were passing around the bottle.

I remember if you wanted to purchase a bottle there, it had to be a commerative one, not one you'd find at your local liquor store. The one I bought I had autographed by the Master Distiller.

pots · « **Reply #69 on:** April 28, 2010, 12:34:14 pm »

Quote from: pots on April 28, 2010, 12:17:54 pm

Yes, but they allow their workers 1 bottle a week. We happpened to be on the tour when they were passing around the bottle.

err I may have rememebered that wrong. I just read the workers are each given one bottle the first Friday of the month. They may have been passing them out to the workers during our tour. Either way, there was a crowd of workers gathered and at least 1 bottle being passed.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #70 on:** April 28, 2010, 12:39:20 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 28, 2010, 12:21:27 pm

I remember if you wanted to purchase a bottle there, it had to be a commerative one, not one you'd find at your local liquor store. The one I bought I had autographed by the Master Distiller.

When I was there, you couldn't buy anything. They had been trying for years to get the locals to allow them to at least sell the commerative bottles, but had not succeeded at the time. I guess they finally did.

das · « **Reply #71 on:** April 28, 2010, 03:39:46 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on April 28, 2010, 10:31:39 am

We are. I was going to contact John Croynn's (sp?) office to see if I could secure one (of either). I'm glad you might be able to help us with that as well. This might be the best family vacation we've taken in a good long while! woo-hoo!

Why don't You hold off contacting your representative and use that as a last resort. Mine would be the internal Capitol Police and Secret Service tours. Much different than a public tour. Check you PM over the next couple of days for details. I'll also have some suggestions about places to stay. The things-to-do suggestions in this thread are spot-on. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know. Send me a PM and let me know if the boys and spousal unit like outdoorsey things or more sedantary, touristy things.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #72 on:** April 28, 2010, 03:49:01 pm »

I think Das is right, the internal tours are going to be better from what I'm being told by people who worked on The Hill. If you can get in with his friends, go for it.

Noe · « **Reply #73 on:** April 28, 2010, 08:15:28 pm »

Quote from: das on April 28, 2010, 03:39:46 pm

Why don't You hold off contacting your representative and use that as a last resort. Mine would be the internal Capitol Police and Secret Service tours. Much different than a public tour. Check you PM over the next couple of days for details. I'll also have some suggestions about places to stay. The things-to-do suggestions in this thread are spot-on. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know. Send me a PM and let me know if the boys and spousal unit like outdoorsey things or more sedantary, touristy things.

This is awesome and since I don't know how to spell nor pronounce Mr Cor-whatever's name, I'll take you up on the offer. The places to stay will be mucho appreciated... and of course, I'd like to meet up with you (and Melvin) again while we're there if possible. Maybe you can show my sons a huge weather map and show them how you stick those neat sunshine and thunderstorm decals on them!

VirtualBob · « **Reply #74 on:** April 29, 2010, 05:34:17 pm »

Quote from: Taras Bulba on April 28, 2010, 12:09:26 pm

Seriously, Noe, "Croynn?"

Noe --

Why have you been taking spelling lessons from fredia?

Duman · « **Reply #75 on:** April 29, 2010, 06:52:05 pm »

Quote from: Ron Brand on April 28, 2010, 03:49:01 pm

I think Das is right, the internal tours are going to be better from what I'm being told by people who worked on The Hill. If you can get in with his friends, go for it.

My Bro - in -Law used to be stationed at the Pentagon. He gave as a sweet tour when we went up there. One fact to notice when you are there. How many bathrooms there are and esp. how many ladies bathrooms for a building built in the 40's. It is because the building was built with segregation in mind. But FDR vetoed that idea on a tour before the building was opened. Said something to the effect of all the same in this building. Atleast that is the story my BIL told me.

He showed us the press briefing room and we were looking in and one of the reporters said, "go up there and stand, you paid for it." My wife did and I got her photo standing at the official press briefing podium. Now when you go, they have a mock of that room out in the security screening area.

94CougarGrad · « **Reply #76 on:** April 30, 2010, 01:10:03 pm »

Funnily enough, Mr/Dr94CG just got instructed to attend a conference in DC in June, and if it weren't a bad time for the rest of us, we'd all hop on a plane and make it a family trip. He's been to DC, but none of the rest of us have.

Noe · « **Reply #77 on:** April 30, 2010, 01:17:16 pm »

Quote from: 94CougarGrad on April 30, 2010, 01:10:03 pm

Funnily enough, Mr/Dr94CG just got instructed to attend a conference in DC in June, and if it weren't a bad time for the rest of us, we'd all hop on a plane and make it a family trip. He's been to DC, but none of the rest of us have.

Ironically, the genesis of why we chose DC this year is that I'm the only one that has been there and I came back talking the place up to my family. Especially the museums and monuments. They're excited to go and the help and support I'm getting in here is fabulous!